Gotta Have It Reviews
“There is only one Jimmy in The Jimmys! In one of my more manic moments I considered being litigious and suing the band for false advertising…but I have relented. This album is just too good to warrant complaints. Led by vocalist and keyboard artist Jimmy Voegeli, The Jimmys has been rocking Wisconsin and regions far removed for over a decade, and their fifth album continues their string of high quality releases. It follows on the heels of 2015’s “Hot Dish” and 2016’s “Live from Transylvania,” and provides the same lively and appealing dose of danceable blues and R&B. The cast of characters remains essentially stable, with the addition of noted drummer (and album producer) Tony Braunagel. Voegeli’s fellow keyboard mavens Marcia Ball and Mike Finnigan sit in as vocal recruits as the band wends its way through a baker’s dozen tracks, all but two penned by Voegeli or guitarist Perry Weber. One of the two cover tunes is “Someday Baby,” composed by fellow Wisconsin denizen, harmonica player Jim Liban. Voegeli provides nice organ foundation, Peterson lends a brief but pithy saxophone solo toward the end, but the track, one of the few slow tunes of the set, is truly distinguished by Weber’s gorgeous guitar lead. In fact, Weber deserves kudos for his understated but stunning playing throughout. The general tenor of the album is set from the get-go, with “Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” an irresistible blues rocker that had me dancing immediately. The ensuing track, “Grim Reaper,” goosed by Braunagel’s thumping drums, did nothing to dampen my enthusiasm despite its title, and it’s succeeded by “Write a Hit,” a demand presented to the singer by his annoyed lady. On this one Marcia Ball shares lead vocal, to good effect. “She Gotta Have It,” the shortest track, is a jaunty outing with horns and a snazzy backing vocal crew; and then the band emphasizes its versatility with “Started Up Again,” sounding much like a 1950s Slim Harpo tune. “Hotel Stebbins” maintains the upbeat groove, affords full exposure to Voegeli on piano, and has some zany guitar-sax interplay. Voegeli retains the spotlight on the spoken blues “Drinkin’,” and its sequel, “When You Got Love." The last several tracks alternate between languorous and lively in tempo, with continued skilled musicianship, and the set closes with the instrumental “Jose.” The band sounds all along like it’s having a really good time. While listening to it, so did I.”
“As this album was released on New Years Eve 2019; and I stopped reviewing just before Christmas this album nearly got given to Oxfam; but thankfully I still remember how dazzlingly good it is; so here goes. Like so many Rhythm & Blues albums I receive from the States, The Jimmys are ‘Old School’ in a way the UK hasn’t produced in at least quarter of a century if not longer. Two exquisite singers, plus the obligatory guitar/bass/drums combo; only these cats can turn a tune on a sixpence but most notably the Brass Section is worthy of a Symphony orchestra; and is nearly as big. Opening track Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet is a real adrenaline fuelled stomper, with Perry Weber giving a basso-prof-undo performance worthy of Barry White while the band throw in a crackling 50’s Rock n Roll beat to get the party started. Jimmy Voegeli steps to the mic on the next song Grim Reaper and he hits notes that I’ve not heard since the heady days when Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson were in their pomp; and the melody will you have you clinging to your loved one as you shuffle around the dancefloor …… and possibly even the kitchen too. It’s not even lazy of me to say that this was the music I grew up watching as a teenager turning into an adult; as bands of this ilk played bars and clubs all over the North East; but alas no more. The Jimmys certainly keep that R&B flame alive and burning rightly with sizzlers Started Up Again, Always a Woman and She Gotta Have It showing that this kind of music is not just timeless; but can be gussied up when the mood changes. Back in the day; had they been on my local circuit I can easily imagine The Jimmys easily performing on Friday night upstairs in the hot and sweaty Cooperage pub; then taking the same set to the Mayfair Ballroom on Saturday then rocking the roof off the Tyne Bar and Lounge on Sunday afternoon; such is the accessibility of songs like Weber’s laid back Drinkin’ and the smoochy Words and Actions or most especially the racy instrumental Jose with it’s shout-along chorus “Jose!” There is even a Gust Star appearance here; and for once it really is a ‘Star’ as Miss Marcia Ball is not just an Award Winner but an R&B singer that can still fill houses in the UK. Here she co-wrote and added vocals to the tongue in cheek ‘break up’ song, Write a Hit where she takes everything including the dog and his Cadillac ‘from’ Jimmy Voegeli and now he just needs to ‘Write a Hit’ to get his life back on track. Bless her, she also adds backing vocals to When You Got Love as Voegeli strains every beautiful vocal chord of his on this gorgeous ballad of luuuurve. Any of those songs could and perhaps would have been my Favourite Song on this album were it not for the inclusion of Hotel Stebbins, which takes a Chuck Berry beat, adds in a splash of Fats Domino and the band rock and roll like they are fired up on Nitro; and don’t get me started on Voegeli’s sweet, sweet vocals! If only we could get bands like The Jimmys to cross the Atlantic for the Summer Festival Season I’m pretty damn sure they would kick start the R&B scene over here; or at the very least give it a good kick up the ass, which it’s desperately in need of!”
----
When not working on his Wisconsin dairy farm, Jimmy Voegeli flaunts his alter ego as the leader of a jump band that warrants notice beyond the Midwest. This new album brims with an honest feeling that stimulates the bandleader's casually forceful vocals and piano work. The other Jimmy,s including horn players, respond with exaltation to every smiling suggestion he throws their way. Voegeli's lucky to have Perry Weber in the band; he's an exceptional guitarist who plays with an understated clarity and a sense of stakes. No slouch either as a songwriter, Voegeli sprinkles his tunes, like the faux-ominous "Grim Reaper," with witty lyrics. Two Weber drinking songs are two too many, though.
Frank John-Hadley, Downbeat Magazine
----
The last time I reviewed The Jimmys they were recording live in Transylvania so it is good to see they escaped OK and have managed to put some daylight between themselves and old Vlad. Tony Braunagel drummed and produced these thirteen tracks, whilst singer and keyboards player Jimmy Voegeli wrote the majority of them. Guitarist/ singer Perry Weber also supplies several, including the rocking opening track, ‘Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet’, with its big sounding horn section. Marcia Ball (who guests on vocals) and Braunagel helped to co-write the Crescent City flavoured ‘Write A Hit’ with its delightful sticky rhythm, the Billy Boy Arnold-inflected ‘Always A Woman’ is from Gary Nicholson and Kevin McKendree, and Jim Liban was the source for the slow, BB King influenced blues of ‘Someday Baby’. The title track is a fine 50s styled slab of guitar driven jumping R’n’B, ‘Started Up Again’ draws unashamedly from Slim Harpo’s ‘Scratch My Back’. The closing track is a fine early 60s styled organ instrumental with a hint of New Orleans to it. Really, though, there’s not a poor track here on this recommended release.
Norman Darwen, BiTS, Blues in the South
----
Wow! I love this record! It’s funky and rambunctious and I was dancing from the first note. Soul music for the 21st Century. If you like Delbert and the Phantom Blues Band, you’ll love this “Hot Dish.” Marcia Ball
-----
"The Jimmys are one hard act to follow at a blues festival. They are truly a wall of rhythm and blues sound. They've got it all: songs, musicianship and showmanship. Great guys. Great sounds."
| The Jimmys have mined pure R&B gold with "Hot Dish". From the opening hit of the Ray Charles influenced "Lose That Woman" to the sultry swagger of "Freight Train" , "Hot Dish" is a winner from top to bottom. Try to not dance when listening to "Funk Schway". It simply can't be done! And the Jimmys are a great live act as well. Look for them on tour soon as they hit the road to support this album of great music. "Hot Dish" indeed! |
Tinsley Ellis, Recording Artist
-----
**** Wisconsin’s seven-piece club band, helmed by deft singer-keyboardist Jimmy Voegeli, makes a good case for international notice behind the rousing entertainment of their third record since forming in 2008. They run the stylistic gamut—jump blues, shuffles, boogies, golden-era R&B, even New Orleans traditional jazz—using an honest, crisp expressionism that pegs them as eclectics of a particularly interesting sort.
Hot Dish, Album Review; Downbeat Magazine website
-----
"The Jimmys played our 20th anniversary and knocked it out of the park. Great energy, red hot horn section, 3 top vocalists and charisma that engages the audience. I highly recommend The Jimmys for any festival. You'll be hooked."
Ted Boomer, founder, Windsor Ontario Bluesfest International
-----
| John Mitchell, Blues Blast Magazine, UK Website Jimmy’s “Wrecking Ball” features his electric piano work on a song that recalls the sounds of Steely Dan to these ears whereas “Saddest Man” is a ballad with quiet guitar and background horns as Jimmy plays some fine piano before his vocal tells how he reached the point of the title: “My world is empty, no love to be found, I can’t live another day without my girl around. I’m the saddest man alive, won’t see my baby anymore; someday I’ll catch my heart, it’s already six feet in the ground”. Perry returns to the mike for the swinging “What My Baby Wants” on which saxophonist Pete Ross plays clarinet which further adds to that old-fashioned swing feel – terrific stuff! “She’s Wild” lives up to its title with pounding piano, wild sax and rock n’ roll guitar before the album closes with a second version of Jimmy’s “Freight Train” which, with two extra minutes, provides an extended coda for the horns to entertain us a final time. If you enjoy Roomful Of Blues (can there be anyone who doesn’t?) try The Jimmys – you won’t be disappointed! Superb album. ----- |
Killer horns, greasy guitars, funky keys, and a rhythm section with the heart and soul the size of Brazil. This is a GREAT band that plays blues and everything else between. I would take them into the studio and record with them anytime. They're a "good'n", Get ready for The Jimmys.
Bryan Lee - New Orleans based singer, songwriter; an iconic figure in the Blues world
“Can't beat the Jimmys for non-stop excitement. There's not a better band on the scene. Blazing horns and virtuosos at every position. Voegeli is super on vocals and keys with charisma and charm in the bandleader role. They absolutely killed this year at the Willy St. Fair. I'd hire them again in a minute."
Bob Queen - Marquette Neighborhood Association Event Coordinator
“The Jimmys are a powerhouse aggregation - red-hot keyboards & taut guitar licks fueled by a killer horn section, generating an exhilarating mix of roadhouse blues & raucous rock-n-roll."
Mark Thompson, President, Crossroads Blues Society
”The Jimmys are a foot-tapping, well connected blues band! This band opened up our 19th annual Big Bull Falls Blues Fest and the crowd asked for more. This band is a “must have” for any music festival!”
Terry Sturm - President, Wausau Area Events and Blues Fest Committee
“Whether you’re a Blues fan or not, Jimmy Voegeli is always fun to watch and a pleasure to listen.”
Dan Baird; Singer songwriter (front man for the Georgia Satellites) producer
“What a great band! I love these guys. I dare you to stay in your seat when they start rockin!”
Gabby Parsons...Music Director, Madison WI WMMM
“F is for Blues” holds true to its roots. This record is in my permanent collection.”
Mick Brown; Jerkin Crokus Records, U.K.
| ----- When Otis' plane went down in Wisconsin waters, they must have left something in the water since this award winning crew is from Madison, but they certainly sound like a chitlin circuit show band -- even if they are a bunch of white boys from the exurbs. You can picture this horn section working it at the Dexter Lake Club with Otis Day and the Nights, but we aren't talking about that Otis. This set is an R&B show you can take with you wherever you go, and the party never quits. Killer stuff. Midwest Record Entertainment ----- "Whenever we book The Jimmys they take the performance to the next level. The quality of music and show they put on is top shelf. The Jimmys have become THE crowd favorite and are welcome at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest anytime." ----- "Some bands grab the crowd on the first number. Such a band is The Jimmys. They are incredibly tight for a seven piece and have an infectious enthusiasm. They quickly became a crowd favorite." ----- Ken Tritz, A Bag of Tritz, Minnesota Blues Society ----- "Hot Dish" Album Review; Peter Merrett, PBS106.7, Melbourne, Australia *** Track 2. - "You Say You Will". *** Track 3. - "Freight Train". Written by Jimmy Voegeli. *** Track 4. - "I Wonder". Written by Jimmy Voegeli. *** Track 5. - "Funk Schway ". Written by Jimmy Voegeli. *** Track 6. - "What Gives". Written by Perry Weber. *** Track 7. - "Jacqui Juice". Written by Jimmy Voegeli. *** Track 8. - "What Chur Doin' ". Written by Perry Weber. *** Track 9. - "Wrecking Ball". Written by Jimmy Voegeli and Mauro Magellan.Magellan's drums take the lead in emphatic fashion in the sound of this song. Weber is more subdued but the brass brings it on with high octane. Voegeli's vocals rise up a notch for a big power packed delivery on this Rhythm & Blues jump cook up. Very bold and very brassy and Weber adds to the feel and sound in what must be a unforgettable style all his own. The years with Blues master Hubert Sumlin are evident on this album. *** Track 10. - "Saddest Man". Written by Jimmy Voegeli. *** Track 11. - "What My Baby Wants". Written by Perry Weber. *** Track 12. - "She's Wild". Written by Perry Weber. *** Track 13. - "Freight Train Reprise". Written by Jimmy Voegeli and Mauro Magellan. Jimmys, Jimmys, Jimmys where do l start. Okay let's get down to tin tacks. DAMN you guys are amazing and a wonderful breath of fresh air and a revelation to listen too. I still don't understand how so few can deliver so very much. Everything about your sound is outstanding and l for one can't wait for our listeners to partake in the stylings of The Jimmys. There is absolutely not one downer about you album other than i wish it came with two discs. You have nailed a "live" sound beautifully on "Hot Dish" and what a dish it is. One taste is definitely not enough and our listeners will want to go back time and time again. You are new to us but after one listen you are indeed old friends that can take us back to times past in such a style that was and l say was becoming a lost art. Not only do you take us there but you do it with incredible energy and musicianship second to none. From a delirious Blues Hound thank-you ever so much for this album. Another outstanding album that will prove to be very well received by our announcers and listeners alike. I seriously love this album. ----- "Hot Dish" Album Review; Chris Spector, Midwest Record Website ----- Mick Salmen, Director Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Solon Springs, Wisconsin ----- Broadjam.com founder, Roy Elkins ----- Hot Dish, Album Review; Rick J Bowen, Washington Blues Society ----- Hot Dish, Album Review; Sheryl and Don Crow, Nashville Blues Society Website Vocalist and keyboard Jimmy Voegeli (think “vaguely”), heads up Wisconsin-based swing/jump-blues band The Jimmys, and, on their latest release they serve up a sho’ nuff “Hot Dish.” Thirteen originals built around a cool “big band” sound, it is no wonder these guys are so popular in clubs and at festivals. They have a unique, R & B-driven, jump-blues attack that gets your feet movin’ at the drop of a note! Check out the Ray Charles-inspired rhumba of the leadoff “I got to Lose That Woman before I lose my mind,” with killer piano from Jimmy. “Freight Train” details a man who just can’t seem to get things right with a lover, set over a greasy Memphis groove. The reprise of this tune that closes the set features a bit more extended jamming from the band. Peterson Ross’ clarinet gives a ragtime feel to “What My Baby Wants, she gets,” while “What Chur Doin’ details a lover who “ain’t doin’ nothin’ for me,” set over a stone funky backbeat. There are two very danceable instrumentals, too. “Jacqui Juice” and “Funk Schway” (think “Feng Shui!”) positively drip with the same soul you’d find down at 926 E. McLemore in Memphis. We had two favorites, too. With its guitar work and rolling horn arrangement, “I Wonder” has Jimmy pondering his choice in a lover, who “takes my money, and takes my soul.” And, “She’s Wild” is as frenetic as any of Little Richard’s Specialty sides, and is the tale of a girl who’s truly a “real wild child!” The Jimmys have won numerous Wisconsin-area awards, and never fail to bring the heat wherever they play. Roll back the rug and dance ’til you drop whilst diggin’ this “Hot Dish!” ----- Hot Dish, Album Review; Kansas City Blues Society ----- Hot Dish, Album Review; Norman Darwen, Blues in the South, UK Website This is a very fine modern blues set, although the first two tracks might lead the unwary listener to expect an album full of 50s and early 60s styled rhythm and blues – opening number ‘Lose That Woman’ has a strong flavour of Ray Charles in his classic Atlantic era and the following ‘You Say You Will’ has a classic R&B feel – and check out the guitar break from Perry Weber (and try What Gives’ for his T-Bone Walker licks). Once past the opening brace though, this settles down to a mix of 50s and 60s sounds, and soul and funk inflected blues, with strong echoes of Albert King, Otis Rush and others of that ilk; ‘Saddest Man’ has a classic 50s West Coast sound, at least partially thanks to the exemplary piano work of leader Jimmy Voegeli and ace drummer Mauro Magellan. The band sports an excellent horn section too; expect to find echoes of Big Joe Turner, Jimmy McCracklin and others, with the Little Richard flavoured rocker (though with a killer guitar break - again!) ‘She’s Wild’ a highlight on an album of a very high standard indeed. “Wisconsin’s blues powerhouse” says the blurb and that’s just about right for this good-timing blues outfit. ----- Hot Dish, Album Review; Bman's Blues Report Website ----- |
Hot Dish, Album Review; Bill Wilson, Reflections in Blue
Put together a full, seven piece band, complete with horn section of all top-notch musicians, at the top of their game and you have what could be called a force to be reckoned with. The Jimmys deliver smokin' R&B that is some of the best I have heard all year, and then some. During the day Jimmy Voegeli, the band's leader, singer/songwriter and keyboards of every persuasion, works at a dairy farm...part of a family of world-renowned dairy geneticists that goes back five generations. He has performed and recorded with many of the greatest performers in the music business. Now, with Mauro Magellan on drums & percussion, John Wartenweiler on electric & acoustic bass, Perry Weber on guitars & vocals, and a horn section consisting of Pete Ross on alto sax, Darren Sterud on trombone and Mike Boman on trumpet, he is a part of one of the hottest R&B bands to hit the scene in ages. "Hot Dish" is a party waiting to happen. One of the things I found most impressive was the fact that all tunes on the album were written by Voegeli, Magellan and Weber. This is one of those albums that will have the dancefloor filled from the time it starts. The Jimmys have won countless awards and high praise from Tinsley Ellis, Marcia Ball and more. Powerful and overflowing with emotional power, this is one of those things that is played from the heart and finds its mark in the hearts of everyone within listening distance. This is largely old-school R&B, reminiscent of that time when R&B was king. Bottom line...this is as good as it gets. The musicianship is superb, the arrangements are right on the money and overall, this one sounds like it could have been done in the 50s. I'd have said this thing will blow you clean out of your shoes but the album cover pretty much said it for me. It is THAT good.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes Website
The Jimmys are one of Wisconsin’s finest bands, combining old-school R&B, blues, soul, and swing. Together since 2008, The Jimmys include vocalist/keyboardist Jimmy Voegeli, guitarist Perry Weber (Hubert Sumlin), drummer Mauro Magellan (Georgia Satellites), bassist Johnny Wartenweiler, and the Amateur Horn Stars (Darren Sterud – trombone/vocals, Pete Ross – saxophones, Mike Boman – trumpet). They’ve brought home the Madison Area Music Award for Blues Artist of the Year three years running.
The Jimmys’ latest release, Hot Dish (Brown Cow Productions), is red hot and ready to show listeners what the fuss is all about. From the powerhouse horn-fueled opener “Lose That Woman” to the midtempo blues “You Say You Will” to the funky and soulful “Freight Train” to the irresistible swing of “I Wonder,” it’s obvious The Jimmys mean business, and that’s only the first four tracks. Other standout tracks include the Lone Star swinger “What Gives,” “What Chur Doin’” “Wrecking Ball,” the slow burner “Saddest Man,” and the riproaring “She’s Wild.”
The band’s musicianship is first-rate. Voegeli’s vocals fit well with the diverse set of tunes and he’s a wizard on the keyboards. Weber is a force of nature on guitar and the rest of the band go together like peas and rice. Their talents are on full display on two excellent instrumentals: “Funk Schway” and “Jacqui Juice,” both of which move seamlessly between funk, Memphis soul, and jazz.
Hot Dish is a fantastic set of tunes that will please any music fan who digs the blues or swing or old-school R&B. It’s a safe bet that The Jimmys will be widening their fan base beyond Wisconsin pretty quickly based on this release.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; John Mitchell, Blues in Britain Website
The Jimmys are a Wisconsin-based outfit who are fortunate to have three writers in the band and a three man horn section that propels these 13 tracks brilliantly so that the hour of the CD passes in the blink of an eye.
Everything here is original, singer and keyboard man Jimmy Voegeli being the main writer, aided by drummer Mauro Magellan on three tracks, and guitarist/vocalist Perry Weber also providing five songs. It is hard to pick a winner amongst these tunes which are uniformly excellent. 'Lose That Woman' is a head-on opener that takes something from the Ray Charles school of rockers with a Latin flavour; Roomful of Blues is a reference point for much of this sort of music and tracks like 'You Say You Will' with Jimmy's rolling piano and superb horn arrangement, or 'I Wonder' with its easy swing arrangement could easily be lost Roomful treasures. Two instrumentals written by Jimmy provide the chance for the horns to take centre stage, first on the infectious 'Funk Schway' and then on the swaggering 'Jacqui Juice'. Perry's T-Bone style guitar starts his own 'What Gives' and the growling trombone adds to the retro flavour of this swinger while 'What Chur Doin'' has a completely different style of guitar and the trombone takes the main solo without the growl, further illustrating the variety the band is capable of offering. Jimmy's 'Wrecking Ball' features his electric piano work on a song that recalls the sounds of Steely Dan to these ears whereas 'Saddest Man' is a ballad with quiet guitar and background horns as Jimmy plays some fine piano before his vocal tells how he reached this point in his life.
Perry returns to the mike for the swinging 'What My Baby Wants' on which saxophonist Pete Ross plays clarinet which further adds to that old-fashioned swing feel -- terrific stuff! 'She's Wild' lives up to its title with pounding piano, wild sax and rock 'n' roll guitar before the album closes with a second version of Jimmy's 'Freight Train' which, with two extra minutes, provides an extended coda for the horns to entertain us a final time.
If you enjoy Roomful Of Blues (can there be anyone who doesn't?) try The Jimmys - you won't be disappointed! Terrific album.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Billy Austin, Tulsa Blues
This is such a fun album! Madison, WI-based The Jimmys know how to throw a party. With 13 original tunes, this album features one tight horn section. A seven-piece band led by keyboardist and vocalist Jimmy Voegeli, it has a real Motown feel, with blues, jump swing, funk, soul, and boogie thrown in.
Perry Weber (Hubert Sumlin) on guitar and drummer Mauro Magellan (Georgia Satellites) help bring it together. A favorite is 'What Chur Doin' that nearly raises Albert King from the grave. 'Saddest Man Alive' is a wonderful ballad with soothing keys by Voegeli. Very enjoyable album. Highly recommended.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Music Morsels Website
Highly regarded Wisconsin musician Jimmy Voegeli cranks out another wild ride with his band of top notch players. Melding big-band swing with funk, rock and blues, the thirteen tracks are brimming with incredible licks, potent rhythmic grooves, and, of course, Jimmy’s throaty vocals and keyboard prowess. This is a dance party and listening party rolled into one rollicking masterpiece.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Mark Thompson, Suncoast Blues Website
Long a favorite in their home state of Wisconsin and the surrounding area, the Jimmys are a seven piece aggregation poised to spread their horn-driven amalgamation of rockin' blues and soul to wider audience with this spirited effort. The band is lead by Jimmy Voegeli on vocals & keyboards with veteran Perry Weber on guitar & vocals, John Wartenweiler on bass, Mauro Magellan on drums (Georgia Satellites), Peterson Ross on sax and clarinet, Darren Sterud on trombone, and Mike Boman on trumpet. Tracks like “Lose That Woman” and “I Wonder” are brimming with energy sparked by Voegeli's rousing lead vocals and plenty of spot-on horn embellishments, particularly on the later track. "What Chur Doin" is straight blues featuring Weber's gritty voice over his fluid guitar work. It is more of the same on "You Say You Will," only this time with an authentic New Orleans R&B feel. "Freight Train" has Voegeli at the forefront on organ and vocals over a rock-solid groove. Even better is the slow, barrel-house blues "Saddest Man," an exceptional performance on an arrangement that clearly showcases the band's many strengths. "She's Wild" is a full-bore rocker with pounding piano and a rip-roaring solo break from Weber. Several tracks allow the band members space to further demonstrate their instrumental skills. "Jacqui Juice" offers fine solo breaks of Weber, Ross on tenor sax, and Voegeli on the Hammond organ. Another highlight is "Funk Schway," which has a darker, moody tone that would have been right at home on the Sopranos TV series. The same trio makes the most of their solo space while the horn section repeatedly adds new dimensions to the arrangement. It all adds up to a disc that offers plenty of invigorating sounds from start to finish. This is one of those recordings that does fulfill the promise of the title!
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Dr. Joe, Natchel Blues, Norfolk, VA Website
A hot toe-tapper from Wisconsin...what did I just say? Yes ... that's right! Powerful vocals and tight horns make this a great CD to throw in for your next party to get the crowd out of their chairs and on to the dance floor. In 'I Wonder,' they contemplate a man's woman squandering all of his money and his love while she is up to no good. Seems so many blues songs revolve around cheating partners, but we never get tired of hearing new renditions on the take. In 'Jacqui Juice' they put the mental in strumental in a way that is so smooth it would even have Mrs. O'Daniel hitting the cup. 'Funk Schway' leads the CD into a different realm as they pop a little bass and make you think Rollo is going to be dropping by with Grady and some wild parsley. Hope Hoppy and Smitty don't show up for a salad, but if they do put this Funky Jam on and set the cruise control.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Ron Weinstock, Jazz and Blues Report Website
The Madison, Wisconsin based The Jimmys, sure know how to turn out some hot jumping blues and rhythm sounds. Their disc, “Hot Dish” (Brown Cow Productions), is a showcase for this band led by vocalist and keyboard player Jimmy Voegeli (pronounced “vaguely’) which includes Pete Weber (ex-Hubert Sumlin) on guitar; Mauro Magellan on drums; Johnny Wartenweiler on bass and The Amateur Horn Stars; Darren Sterud (trombone/vocals), Pete Ross (saxophones), and Mike Boman (trumpet). Voegeli, Weber and Magellan contributed all the songs here. This is a terrific band with the horns adding musical colors and texture far beyond the simple riffs of a number of groups with the songs ranging from the scorching “Lose That Woman,” a rumba blues that evokes classic Ray Charles with some strong piano and a booting saxophone solo. There is a more stately tempo to Weber’s “You Say You Will,” which has a blistering guitar solo. Voegeli and Magellan contributed the funky “Freight Train” with Weber’s guitar exhibiting a bit of twang. The aptly titled “Funk Schway” and a driving shuffle “Jacqui Juice” are two instrumentals that allow the players to stretch out. The T-Bone Walker style shuffle “What Gives” has a slightly muffled vocal and some nice growling trombone embellishments and solo, while Vocelli lays down boogie woogie inflected piano. There is even a hint of Little Richard on the frenzied “She’s Wild.” If one track stands out it is the Charles Brown meets Ray Charles sounding “Saddest Man,” with superb piano, a marvelous horn arrangement and terrific guitar and tenor sax solos support Voegeli’s world weary vocal about a love that is lost. The Jimmys are terrific whether playing jump blues, rock and roll, or Memphis funk, and the songs here are both idiomatic yet fresh. Tinsley Ellis (quoted on the cover) is right on, “The Jimmys have mined pure R&B gold with ‘Hot Dish.’”
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Brian Harman, Blues in the South, UK Website
Wisconsin-based band The Jimmys have been together since 2008 and include on lead vocals and keyboards; Jimmy Voegeli, guitar; Perry Weber, drums; Mauro Magellan, bass; Johnny Wartenweiler, also featuring the Amateur Horn Stars, Darren Sterud; trombone, Pete Ross; saxophones and Mike Boman; trumpet. Collectively, they have a finely honed sense of what modern-day listeners consider to be a great night out, which includes a hot and sweaty mixture of fifties R’n’B, Soul, Swing and Funk, in fact, everything that a good time revue should be. The thirteen numbers here speed along like a rip roaring hot and sweaty Saturday night. The first few numbers waft and reek of that long lost classic Atlantic sound, “Lose That Woman”, is a fine Ray Charles inspired toe-tapper while “You Say You Will”, has punching horns that beautifully entwine with lively guitar and smoothly rolling piano. “Freight Train”, has some of the creamiest rising horns you can find, gelling with a smouldering organ making way for a richly picked guitar. The fruity and compelling swinging horns of “I Wonder”, seems to invoke delightful memories of Big Joe Turner. On the sweetly shuffling “What Gives”, Perry Weber’s sublime guitar work wonderfully and enticingly embodies the immortal talents of one T Bone Walker. “Jacqui Juice”, is an instrumental that possesses an enticing mixture of a Jimmy McCracklin styled shuffler while incorporating a very lively and vigorous organ that underpins the smoothly wafting saxophone, urgent bristling trumpet and trombone only add to the pleasure. The guitar driven rocking tapestry that is “What Chur Doin””, is evenly matched with achingly rich horns and a primal trumpet. “Wrecking Ball”, continues to fuel this more than satisfying groove. An emotion filled lamenting West Coast feel is beautifully captured on “Saddest Man”, where the mournful drawling horns meld with a rich jazz infused guitar that is underpinned by wonderfully stroked ivories and thoughtful percussive drumwork. Excellent echoes of Little Richard can be discerned on the seriously rocking “She’s Wild”, urgently swaying horns merge with manically rolling piano while a screaming saxophone underpins a dazzling and footstomping guitar solo.
Recommended!
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Mark Thompson, Blues Music Magazine Website
The Jimmys are a seven-piece aggregation poised to spread their horn-driven amalgamation of rockin' blues and soul to a wider audience with this spirited effort. The band is lead by Jimmy Voegeli (vocals and keyboards), veteran Perry Weber (guitar and vocals), John Wartenweiler (bass), Mauro Magellan (drums), Peterson Ross (sand and clarinet), Darren Sterud (trombone), and Mike Boman (trumpet). Tracks like "Lose That Woman" and "I Wonder" are brimming with energy sparked by Voegeli's energetic lead vocals and plenty of powerful horn embellishments, particularly on the latter track. "What Chur Doin" is straight blues featuring Weber's gritty voice over his fluid guitar work. It is more of the same on “You Say You Will,” only this time with an authentic New Orleans R&B feel. "Freight Train"
has Voegeli at the forefront on organ and vocals over a rock solid groove. Even better is the slow, barrel house blues “Saddest Man,”
an exceptional performance on an arrangement that showcases the band's many strengths. “She’s Wild” is a fullbore rocker with pounding piano and a rip-roaring solo break from Weber. Several cuts provide the band members with space to further demonstrate their instrumental skills. “Jacqui Juice” offers fine solo breaks from Weber, Ross on tenor sax, and Voegeli on the Hammond organ. Another highlight is “Funk Schway,” which has a darker, moody tone that would have been right at home on the Sopranos TV series. The same trio makes the most of their solo space while the horn section repeatedly adds new dimensions to the arrangement. It all adds up to a disc that offers plenty of invigorating sounds from start to finish. This is one of those recordings that does fulfill the promise of the title!
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Kyle Deibler, Blues Bytes Website
Hmm. I'm familiar with The Jimmys as being one of the Midwest's top bands by virtue of event posters my Blues friends in Minnesota share with me from time to time. I have to admit, I was curious to hear what the fuss was all about when a copy of their new record, Hot Dish, crossed my path. A 'hot dish," indeed. Stir in vocalist/keyboard wizard Jimmy Voegeli with guitarist Perry Weber, drummer Mauro Magellan, bassist Johnny Wartenweiler and add a touch of the Amateur Horn Stars and you have a might tasty gumbo. Hot Dish kept me jumping, let's give it a spin.
The band starts out with the Ray Charles influenced "Lose That Woman," and we're off to a good start. This woman is impossible and it seems there's just no pleasing her. As Jimmy sings, "Got to lose that woman...before I lose my mind." The horns compliment Jimmy's keyboard work perfectly, and I'm liking the way this disc starts. We immediately segue into a slower number, "You Say You Will," and Jimmy's still in a state of confusion. "I need a good woman by my side...now when I'm home...I'm suffering, baby....well, I just ain't satisfied...you say you can...then you can't...if your no ain't a yes...then I say goodbye happiness." This one definitely sounds like she's more trouble than she's worth, Jimmy, I'd definitely cut her loose and find one that will treat you better. Perry adds a blistering guitar solo to the mix and it's easy to understand the popularity of The Jimmys.
"Freight Train" starts off smoothly with the horns leading the way and I can already tell I like this tune a lot. We still find Jimmy with woman problems here and I'm beginning to wonder if it's more him than them. "I know I might have taken...just a little bit too far...when I seen you there...in another man's arms...must have been the whiskey...telling me wrong from right...but it should been me that's holding you...every single night." Cut your losses and move on, Jimmy, sooner or later you'll find a good woman to love. Jimmy's got a an amazing range and I'm surprised by just high his vocal register can go on this tune.
Our next track, "I Wonder," takes full advantage of the entire band's arsenal and I'm really appreciating the presence of the awesome horn section the band has. "You're in love with a man...but he ain't me...but I wonder...where we went wrong." Mike Boman's trumpet lends just the right touch to "I Wonder" and I'm appreciating the definitive musicianship to be found in this band. The appropriately named "Funk Scway" is an interesting track and a nice diversion to the previous cuts I've heard. A diverse instrumental, the band tastefully explores a number of avenues as it tackles this arrangement.
Jimmy's keyboards have us up and running with the next track, "What Gives," and Perry Weber is picking some mighty fine notes on his guitar as well. And it seems that Jimmy's bad luck continues. "I went to my boss man...he said, business is bad...I'm going to have to let you go. What gives?" If it's not one thing it's another and Jimmy just can't seem to catch a break anytime soon. Perry's fretwork echoes Jimmy's frustrations and I'm beginning to wish some good luck would cross his path soon.
The band segues into the other instrumental on the disc, "Jacqui Juice," and again I'm finding the band is very tasteful in its selection of fills and the cohesiveness in their sound is impressive. Of course they've received 21 Madison area Music Awards over the years, so one would begin to think they've got this music thing down. Perry's guitar provides the blistering intro for our next track, "What Chur Doin'," and Jimmy's still unlucky at love. "What Chur Doin'...ain't doing nothing for me". I'm enjoying the trombone fills here from Darren Sterud and really hoping Jimmy gets his act together soon. The drum and guitar-driven "Wrecking Ball" is the tune the band tackles next and Jimmy's at least taking a stand this time. "Girl...you ain't nothing but a high-fashioned wrecking ball...the destruction that you leave...is going to tear down our happy home...please...please...don't you tell me no more lies." A lying woman is a cheating woman, Jimmy, let this one go and don't look back.
"Saddest Man" is primarily a piano driven tune and Jimmy's in his element here, tastefully playing his keyboards with just a hint of horns behind him. "I'm the saddest man alive...just watched my girl...walk out that door...I'm the saddest man alive...won't see that baby, anymore." In real life Jimmy is happily married to a beautiful woman, so it's easy to understand the real agony he would feel should she ever chose to leave him.
So of course, Jimmy's eager to please and he explores that in our next cut, "What My Baby Wants". "Without you baby...I can't get no rest...what my baby wants...my baby gets." Now you're cooking with grease, Jimmy. A happy wife is a happy life and you're getting there. Pete Ross's sax fill is especially exquisite here and very well done. Our tempo and attitude pick up with the next cut, "She's Wild," and the woman in question is definitely a free spirit. The piano's banging away, the horns are going wild and Jimmy's happy to tell us, "She's wild...a wild child...you don't have to give me all your love...just give me some...she's wild."
The Jimmys close out Hot Dish with a reprised version of "Freight Train," and I'm left satisfied at the amazing musicianship and versatility of this band from the Madison, Wisconsin area. Definitely a band on the rise, Hot Dish, is a disc best served at party time with lots of volume. The band's website isthejimmys.net and you can grab your copy of Hot Dish while you're there. I enjoyed reading the bios of the band members as well, and it's rare to find so much talent in one band like The Jimmys. Keep it up, guys!
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Blue Barry, Smoky Mountain Blues Society
Are you kidding me? Go out and get The Jimmys newest CD “Hot Dish”, before someone else does. Check out THE JIMMYS.NET, or just cut to the chase and go to CD Baby and buy yourself a copy! This 7-piece band from Wisconsin plays old-school rhythm and blues and anything in between, before or after! I mean this CD is just entertainment. As a musician, a horn player, vocalist, guitar, whatever, you will be astounded at the tightness of this band and how well they complement each other. Vocalist and award winning keyboard giant Jimmy Voegeli put the band together and he left NOTHING out of the mix! The group has won 21 Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA) including “Blues Artist of the Year,” twice in fact, and 3 Wisconsin Area Music Awards (WAMI) including Best Swing/Big Band of the Year! This CD will get them another Best Band Award and probably a lot more! This band is unreal! The horn section is as good as anybody out there. The thirteen tracks on the CD are credited to Jimmy, as well as drummer Mauro Magellan and guitarist Perry Weber. They leave nothing to be desired! If you like swing, jump, funk, soul boogie, clean horns and great music, here it is! No, your band probably can’t do this, but you can sure listen! Much better than you think they would be. A grand, wonderful surprise to the ears, and a most welcome new nostalgic CD. It’s one of those CD’s that make you wish the days were longer so you can just hear one more time before sleepy land. You know what I mean! Enjoy at your extreme leisure!
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Global Music - Weltmusik-Magazin, Germany Website
Beinahe hätten wir dieses Album übersehen. Vergnüglichen Rhythm’n’Blues mit starken, breit angelegten Bläsersätzen und bester analoger Produktion bietet das US-amerikanische Ensemble The Jimmys auf ihrem aktuellen Longplayer “Hot Dish”.
Die Platte erfüllt alle Erwartungen an diese Musikgattung, wodurch sich die Begeisterung für “Hot Dish” sofort einstellt. The Jimmys sind ein Septett aus Wisconsin. Unter den Mitgliedern finden sich gleich drei Songschreiber. Das ist sicher ein Grund, warum die Musik auf “Hot Dish” nicht nur enormen Spaß bereitet, sondern auch sehr qualitätvoll ist.
The Jimmys haben mit “Hot Dish” ein Album eingespielt, das es schier unmöglich macht, eine Lieblingsnummer zu nennen. Das dürfte unsere R’n’B-Platte des Jahres sein. Mal schaun, ob sie noch übertroffen wird…
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Marcel Bénédit, ABS France
Quel chouette CD ! Si vous avez le moral en berne, une envie irrésistible de vous plonger dans un rhythm'n'blues décoiffant avec un esprit en ligne directe avec les fifties et un son remarquable, c'sest l'album qu'il vous faut. Enregistrées dans le Visconsin, les 13 faces de cet album trés coloré tant musicalement que dans le graphisme de son packaging, est l'œuvre alternativement ou ensemble pour l'écriture de membres du groupe : Jimmy Voegeli (piano, Hammond B3 et chant), Perry Weber (guitares) et Mauro Magellan (drums). Autres membres du band qui méritent tous d'être cités tellement leur musique est excellente : John Wartenweiler (basse) et la section cuivrée avec Mike Boman (trompette), Darren Sterud (trompette et chant), Peterson Ross (saxes ténor et alto, clarinette). Aucun moment faible dans ce disque qui swingue à mort, irrémédiablement fait pour la danse, avec une qualité musicale de trés haute volée. Un reméde absolu contre la morosité.
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Philip Verhaege, Keys and Chords, Netherlands. Website
De zesvoudige Award winnende keyboard/vocalist Jimmy Voegeli is het brein achter deze superformatie en met zijn 6-koppige all-stars rhythm sectie boort hij meerdere stijlen aan. Samen met bluesicoon en gitarist Perry Weber (Hubert Sumlin), rock-’n-roll drummer Mauro Magellan (Georgia Satellites), de charismatische bassist Johnny Wartenweiller en de 3-koppige The Amateur Horn Stars staat dit album bol van hoogstaande muzikaliteit. Het ensemble won ook voor de tweede keer op rij de 21st Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA) voor ‘Blues Artist of The Year’ en liefst drie Wisconsin Area Music Awards voor ‘Best Swing/Big Band of The Year‘.
Met deze adelbrieven promoten ze nu volop het album ‘Hot Dish, dat welgeteld 13 songs op zijn conto heeft. Het schijfje opent enigszins verrassend met het nummer ‘Lose That Woman’. Na deze stevig gekruide rumba rocker komt het bluesy ‘You Say You Will’ ons verblijden. De opwindende blazerssectie, Weber’s gitaarriffs en Voegeli’s pianoarrangementen komen hier meteen in de schijnwerpers. Het R& B gevoelige ‘Freight Train’ roept evenwel het big band gevoel op. Niets mis mee uiteraard, want er is nog ook het welgesmaakte ‘I Wonder’, waar Jimmy’s uitstekende zangprestaties samen met de gitaar fraseringen en alweer de hornsectie de basis voor het nummer vormen. De strakke drumslagen en hotte baslijnen zorgen samen met de blazers voor een intieme instrumentale track. De song ‘What Gives’ is loepzuivere West Coast blues jump waar ook wij wel pap van lusten. Op de instrumentale track ‘Jacqui Juice’ speelt Jimmy een leuk stukje Hammond orgel dat wordt ingekleurd met uitermate ingetogen gitaarriffs en opwindende saxtunes. Na een moderne intro komt de band pas onder stoom op de Texas gedreven instrumentale ‘Wrecking Ball’. In de warme ballade ‘Saddest Man’ kan Jimmy zijn vingers nog eens opwarmen op zijn pianoklavier. Na het swingende en jazzy beïnvloede ‘What’s My Baby Wants’ komen The Jimmys aandrijven met de hoog opgeschroefde rock-’n-roll song ‘She’s Wild’. Als afsluiter neemt Jimmy nog een loopje met ons voor de track
‘Freight Train Reprise’. Een dankbare en uitstekende afsluiter. (4 1/2)
-----
Hot Dish, Album Review; Filip Heidinga, Blues Magazine, The Netherlands Website
‘Hot Dish’ is alweer het derde album van The Jimmys, en wat voor album. Ik zeg dit niet snel maar jeetje wat een lekker album. Jimmy Voegeli (zang en keyboards) en zijn band bestaande uit: Perry Weber (gitaar), Mauro Magellan (drum), Johnny Wartenweiler (bas), Darren Sterud (trombone en zang), Pete Ross (saxofoon), Mike Boman (trompet) begonnen in 2008 en toeren sindsdien door Amerika. Als ze niet aan het toeren zijn werkt Jimmy Voegeli op de boerderij die al 5 generaties van zijn familie is.
Het album ‘Hot Dish’ begint meteen goed met het nummer Lose That Woman. Een swingend up-tempo nummer die meteen de toon zet voor de rest van het album. The Jimmys zijn klaar om er een feest van te maken. You Say You Will begint met alleen drums maar al snel komen de andere bandleden er ook bij en klinkt meteen het volle geluid van de band bestaande uit zeven leden.Freight Train is vervolgens een echt lekker blues nummer, en gaat op het einde van het album nog een keer in reprise. Het is echt zo’n nummer die nog enige tijd in je hoofd blijft hangen, en dat is absoluut geen straf. I Wonder is een heerlijk swing nummer, en laat meteen horen hoe veelzijdig deze band is. Rhythm & Blues, Swing, Funk, Soul en Boogie: op dit album komt het allemaal voorbij en elk bandlid krijgt de tijd om te laten horen wat hij kan. Je kan even tot rust komen tijdens het instrumentale Funk Schway en het daarop volgende What Gives. Even rustig luisteren naar de muziek na een paar nummers waarbij je niet stil kan blijven zitten. Het tweede instrumentale nummer van het album Jacqui Juice voert het tempo weer iets op en lijkt op het eerdere Freight Train. What Chur Doin’ is een mooi soul nummer waarbij de gitaar dit keer de boventoon voert. Wrecking Ball begint rustig maar binnen een minuut hoor je weer de volledige band inclusief achtergrond zangeressen. En probeer dan maar eens stil te blijven zitten, het is mij niet gelukt. Tijdens Saddest Man is Jimmy Voegeli’s beurt om te schitteren met prachtig piano spel en een mooie songtekst. She’s Wild is weer een echt feestnummer en wederom onmogelijk om stil te blijven zitten.
-----